Two former officials of the Dock Workers Union have been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and stealing Ksh.1 million from the union's bank account. Mejuma Hamadi Chirau and Kibibi Shaib Omery appeared in court on September 25, 2026, before Mombasa Senior Principal Magistrate Erick Wambo. They jointly faced two charges, with the prosecution alleging that they conspired to fraudulently withdraw the funds from the union's bank account at Bandari DT Sacco.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the withdrawal was made without authority on August 15, 2026, at Kilindini Port in Mvita Sub-County, Mombasa County. The two denied the charges and asked the court to release them on favourable bond terms. Their request was granted, with Magistrate Wambo releasing each accused on a surety bond of Ksh.500,000 with two contact persons, or an alternative cash bail of Ksh.200,000.
The court directed the accused persons to report once every month at Port Police Station at 3pm. They were also barred from accessing DWU offices pending the hearing and determination of the case. The prosecution had asked the court to impose conditions to safeguard ongoing investigations and prevent possible interference with witnesses. The matter will come up for pre-trial directions on October 13, 2026.
The charges against Chirau and Omery are contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code and Section 268(1) as read with Section 275 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they face imprisonment or fines for the alleged theft. The Dock Workers Union has not commented on the matter, but the case has raised concerns about corruption and accountability within trade unions.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is handling the case, with Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohammed representing the State. The ODPP has assured the public that it will pursue the case to its conclusion, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The case is seen as a test of the country's efforts to combat corruption and protect public funds.
The Dock Workers Union is a significant organization representing workers in the port sector. The alleged theft has raised questions about the union's internal controls and governance. An investigation into the matter is ongoing, with the police and the ODPP working together to gather evidence and identify other individuals involved.
The case against Chirau and Omery is set to continue on October 13, 2026, when the court will review the evidence and determine the next course of action. The two accused persons are expected to appear in court again, where they will either plead their case or face trial. The outcome of the case will have implications for the Dock Workers Union and the broader labour movement in Kenya.
Key points
- Two former Dock Workers Union officials charged with stealing Ksh.1 million from union's bank account
- Accused persons released on bond terms, barred from accessing DWU offices
- Case to come up for pre-trial directions on October 13, 2026
